Lima cop-stabbing sent to grand jury

LIMA — A man accused of slashing a police officer across the head waived a court hearing Tuesday, sending the case to the grand jury.

John Heffner, 41, appeared at a preliminary hearing at Lima Municipal Court. Magistrate Richard Warren ordered the case bound over to the grand jury for consideration.

Heffner is charged with felonious assault with a deadly weapon, a first-degree felony. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison.

The incident happened March 27 outside the Lima Police Department. Heffner summoned two officers outside. When the officers came out, he charged them and stabbed Sgt. Dave Gillispie in the side of the head with a screwdriver.

Gillispie received a slashing wound that was treated at St. Rita's Medical Center.

Gillispie drew his gun and fired, striking Heffner twice. A detective said Heffner was suicidal. Gillispie is off work on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure when an officer fires his gun.